Diplomatic Modal Verbs — Your Brain Wants to Trust You
Grammar: Modal Verbs
Free ESL grammar exercise on diplomatic modal verbs themed around your brain wants to trust you. Printable worksheet from EnglishPlans.com.
What's on this worksheet
A Business English ESL grammar exercise on psychology, practising modal verbs. The worksheet has a short reading excerpt, a grammar reference and graded practice items.
From the reading
The most effective negotiators use the oxytocin effect, face-saving moves, and status signalling to build rapport before the numbers arrive on the table. They do not rationalise every move; they read it. And when the other side tries to move the goalposts or hold their ground on a deal-breaking term, the skilled professional does not push harder — they reach for the biochemistry first. A well-placed story, a mirrored posture, a genuine moment of curiosity: these are not soft skills.
Grammar: Modal Verbs
- could — soft proposal
- We could consider a phased rollout. — offers an idea without pressure
- might — tentative
- There might be scope for a revised timeline. — leaves room for the other side
Sample items
- We ______ look at a phased payment schedule if that makes it easier for your team.
- There ______ be some room to adjust the start date, depending on your internal approvals.
- We ______ be prepared to waive the setup fee if you commit to a two-year contract.
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